The unheard voices- a photography exhibitio

Mahee Azreen and Sumedh Barua

Banner of unheard voices; Photo: Sumedh Barua

As a part of the 16 day activism of violence against women, Plan Bangladesh in partnership with University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organized a photography exhibition from 8^th to 10^th December in Gallery Chitrak.

“A visual image has more impact on people. I think a series of photos can help recognize the problems and it might also initiate a feeling of doing something to help the girls and even take a stand against violence,” said Ehsan Kabir, communication specialist of Plan Bangladesh. “A simple stand against violence or even helping a girl to get education can be the start of bringing change to the society,” he added.

The whole process of being chosen for the photography exhibition was very challenging, yet inspiring. Md. Mashruz Zaman, a student of ULAB, said: “Many students from ULAB participated, but only the best 14 were shortlisted to do a series. This was a great experience and exposure for us.” Upon asking about his series, Mashruz said, “My series is very personal. It’s about my aunt, Monowara Khatun, who was a sub inspector in 1981, but later became a victim of domestic violence. Later in 1984, she was killed by her husband after series of violent attacks.”

The thing that’s most painful about domestic violence is that a few women gets justice or even can speak about it. “My aunt didn’t receive justice even after being a sub inspector at time, only because her husband came from an influential family,” he added.

Mrittika Kamal, an ULABIAN did a series called “Let’s give her a voice.” The series had touched her emotionally. “It is really difficult for a girl to trust someone. My series is about a girl who has been raped by someone she trusted. Now she can’t tell anyone about the incident because she is afraid how society will react; and worse, her family might abandon her.” Rape victims should not be shamed, rather rapists. “She tries to hide behind makeup like it’s a mask. I think family members should be more open and understand that rape is never the victims fault; only then these girls will get a voice and the criminals will be behind bars.”

 

"photography series - child labor"; Photo: Mahee Azreen

Another student of ULAB, Monon Muntaka said, “The series has been really inspiring for me. It has brought be closer to the reality of life. My series is called ‘Victress’ because it is about a 90 year old woman who has been living in the tea stall near my area.” She thinks being independent is a beautiful virtue. Monon said: “She has children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren, but what was amazing is that she lives all by herself and she is very content with her life. The thing that amazed me the most is that, she did not even ask to me for help, not even once!”

Adib Sarwar, another student of ULAB went to see the exhibition. On asking about his experience about the visit, he said: “All of the series are very inspiring. The photos won’t fail to touch your heart. I feel it was a great initiative by both Plan Bangladesh and ULAB.”

 

Photograph from series domestic violence ; Photo: Sumedh Barua

“My favourite series in the SOL of Spirit, which is about a small girl who works as a domestic worker. I love how the photographer could bring the life of the little girl into portrayal; that even after not having opportunities her dreams of studying haven’t died and she wants to learn,” he added when asked which his favorite series from the exhibition is. He also added: “These are the untold stories of the victims, even if we can show the after math of the violence, it might even create awareness among the society. And it’s the start and I believe these programs will turn the tables one day.”

Edited by

Mahee Azreen